Epiphany · The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jonah 1:1-17
Jonah Flees from the Lord
February 1, 2026
Overview & Insights
“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” (Jonah 1:3)
The NIV has omitted several rhetorical devices in these first three verses that are significant for an understanding of Jonah. Verse 1:1 begins with way e hî , which may be translated, “Now it came to pass,” or simply “Now.” The word is a sure indication that what follows is a story or narrative (cf. MT of Josh. 1:1; Judg. 1:1).
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Commentary
Jonah 1 Commentary: Jonah Runs from God Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on Jonah's flight, the storm, the sailors' conversion, and the great fish.
Jonah 1:1 Classic Commentaries Compared BibleHub
Historic commentators set side by side on the call of Jonah and his descent toward Tarshish.
Jonah 1 Commentary Precept Austin
Word studies and cross references on the prophet's disobedience and the storm at sea.
Jonah 1-4 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on the God who pursues a rebellious prophet into the depths.
Background & Word Study
Jonah 1 (Hebrew text and commentaries) Sefaria
Hebrew and English with classical Jewish commentary on the opening chapter of Jonah.
Jonah 1:1 Hebrew Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew text with parsing and Strong's numbers for the prophet's call and flight.
Jonah (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Background on the book's genre, satire, and message of mercy that frames chapter 1.
Book of Jonah Summary BibleProject
Animated overview of the whole book, showing how the storm scene fits Jonah's larger arc.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
How does the book of Jonah begin?
Called to preach to Nineveh, Jonah flees by sea; a great storm rises, and when he is cast overboard the sea grows calm and the Lord appoints a great fish to swallow him.
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